This was no secret. Gryn gave a slight nod. "Yes, Tyrion and the others will be setting out in the next few days."
Before Catelyn could respond, he added, "My lady, is there something you need?"
Lady Catelyn shrugged, her tone somewhat helpless. "Sansa is terribly upset. She thinks she performed poorly at camp and disappointed you."
Gryn smiled gently. "To be honest, Lady Stark is far more outstanding than most noble ladies. She simply needs a little more time to grow. After all, she is only fourteen."
Lady Catelyn could not help but smile like a mother. "She likes to push herself too hard. Ned and I have never known what to do with her."
She shrugged again. "All I can do is help her grow as best I can. So..."
Seeing that Lady Catelyn seemed to be weighing her next words, Gryn raised his cup toward her. "Crabb and Stark are like family. If there is anything I can do for Lady Sansa, please do not stand on ceremony."
"Thank you..."
Lady Catelyn could not help studying the king before her, whose expression was so sincere. She was endlessly grateful for the mercy of The Gods, who had allowed Ned to protect the honor he regarded as his very life.
Her eyes began to sting, making Lady Catelyn feel embarrassed. She had been far too improper before the king.
Just then, Gryn turned his gaze toward the blazing hearth. "Sansa, Arya, and Rickon are all good children. Like Lord Ned, I have great hopes for them."
Lady Catelyn pursed her lips in a smile. This young king truly knew how to care for a lady's feelings, nothing like those thoughtless First Men nobles.
Had she encountered such a charming knight in her girlhood, she might have... been unable